New Database Workflow (1 Viewer)

Javalon

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Hi All,

As I build more and more databases, I am trying to standardize my workflow, making use of templates and data models.

This is more of a discussion than any single question.
I was wondering how you guys plan out a new project?

Do you have a data model template you send to your client/user to fill out?
What are your first steps when you create a new database?
Do you use templates pre-filled with oft-used functions, procedures, basic forms etc?
 

Eugene-LS

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arnelgp

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the database will replace the manual task of each worker.
it will Not replaced any Procedures already observed.
it is best to have an Analysis (data/system) first of the project.
Asking questions of how things are done manually.
what forms are they using, what are the flow.
how do they keep the records, etc.
 

Pat Hartman

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Every application is different. The analysis usually starts with outputs and proceeds with inputs and workflows. I have standard form layouts I like to use and common code that goes in every form including security validation. I also have mini-apps like the table maintenance sample I posted here so I never have to ever make a decision on simple lookups and how to implement them. I.e. with value lists or tables and maintenance forms. I also have a couple of standard tables such as employees and customers.
 

PaquettePaul

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in understanding a business, I focus on a data model first. Reading through a business mission statement or any business overviews gives you the types of data subjects you will be dealing with; e.g., in a court system, you would have judges, courtrooms, documents, schedules, defendants, police, clerks, and so on. i would then add in the preliminary relationships.

This base model provides a way for me to discuss the business as an object first and then the processes, documents, and shareholders/actors involved. As you delve down the rabbit hole of information, I update the data model to reflect my understandings if the business, I believe a good data model reflects the essence and rules of a business while a process model reflects the manner in which the business conducts its operations.

Other than a standard way of dealing with common lookup tables, there is rarely much commonality between businesses or their data models, unless you are specializing in one business sector. I would never ask my client to provide me with a data model as most would not have a clue what you mean and would not understand the implications if you showed the model to them. They are process driven rather than data driven.

I would say that most access developers have a design philosophy and templates/modules that they prefer using. When I develop a new app, I usually reuse my form templates from previous apps as a baseline.
 

Pat Hartman

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Outputs are what drive the data model. If it isn't in the data model or can't be calculated from it, you can't output it:) And conversely, If you don't need to output it, you don't need to capture it.
 
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